UK Government seeking feedback from MI companies
The MIA has been liaising with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 2 important topics. Now, we need our members to get involved and feedback directly too.
Today, we’d like to draw your attention to 2 areas:
1) DEFRA’s CITES Reform Consultation
2) The new UK Pernambuco UK Stockpile Register
Invitation to Participate in the Public Consultation on CITES Reform
DEFRA is inviting stakeholders to take part in a public consultation on proposed amendments to the UK Wildlife Trade Regulations, which implement CITES. It’s your chance to influence the future of wildlife trade regulation in the UK.
The proposed reforms aim to strengthen protections for endangered species, streamline permitting processes, support sustainable and legitimate trade, improve enforcement and compliance, and ensure that fees and charges accurately reflect the cost of services.
Defra welcomes responses from all interested parties, including businesses, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, traders, and individuals with an interest in conservation. The closing date is coming up this week – consultation closing at 23:59 on 23 October 2025.
Participants can submit their views online through the Citizen Space consultation hub at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/cites/cites-reform-proposals/, by email to CITES.UKMA@defra.gov.uk.
By contributing to this consultation, you can help build a more effective, transparent, and sustainable system for managing the UK’s wildlife trade.
Supporting Sustainable Trade in Pernambuco – New UK Stockpile Register Now Live
What is this all about?
Brazilwood is a tree native to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, prized for its strong, resonant wood used to make musical instrument bows. Centuries of overharvesting for dye and later for the music industry have left the species severely depleted and now Critically Endangered. Illegal logging and trade continue to threaten the tree, with thousands of bows sold internationally without proper controls. Brazil has proposed moving Brazilwood to CITES Appendix I to strengthen trade restrictions and help protect the remaining wild populations.
DEFRA are still in the process of reviewing Brazil’s proposal, and the information provided by stakeholders such as yourselves, and evaluating its potential impact on both the sustainable use and long-term conservation of Pernambuco wood, as well as on musicians and bow manufacturers who rely on it.
DEFRA have announced the launch of the UK’s voluntary Pernambuco stockpile register, a new system designed to support traceability, sustainable trade and conservation efforts for Paubrasilia echinata, commonly known as Pernambuco wood.
This scheme has been developed in close collaboration with stakeholders from the music sector and the bow making community, ensuring it reflects the needs and realities of those who rely on this species. Pernambuco is extensively used in crafting high-quality bows for stringed instruments, and sustainable use of this species is vital to both biodiversity and the future of music craftsmanship.
In support of international efforts to protect and improve traceability of this endangered species, the UK Government has introduced a voluntary register for individuals and businesses who hold stockpiles of Pernambuco wood or finished products.
Why Register?
- Transparency and traceability: Help demonstrate responsible sourcing and support global conservation efforts.
- Preparedness: Be ready for potential future regulatory changes under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
- Conservation: Show your commitment to sustainable and responsible practices in the musical instrument and wood trade sectors.
Who Can Register?
The register is open to:
- Bow makers
- Musical instrument manufacturers
- Traders and retailers
- Collectors and other stakeholders holding Pernambuco stockpiles
How to Register
Visit the GOV.UK page to learn more and submit your registration:
